Airtel Africa and Starlink have commercially launched a satellite-to-mobile service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marking the first deployment of its kind in Africa.
The service allows Airtel customers with compatible smartphones to access basic connectivity outside the reach of terrestrial mobile networks, provided they have a clear view of the sky.
Using Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile constellation, which comprises 650 launched satellites, customers can access low-data applications such as WhatsApp messaging and send SMS messages. No specialised equipment or separate satellite device is required.
The launch follows a strategic partnership announced by Airtel Africa and Starlink in December 2025. The companies subsequently tested Starlink Mobile data and messaging services in Kenya in March 2026.
The DRC is the first Airtel Africa market—and the first country on the continent—to progress from testing to commercial deployment.
To access the service, customers need a compatible LTE Android smartphone and an active Airtel DRC data bundle or data roaming enabled. Support for Apple devices is expected to be introduced in the future.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar described the launch as a significant milestone in the telecom operator’s partnership with SpaceX.
“By combining Airtel’s terrestrial network with Starlink’s satellite technology, we are extending essential connectivity beyond the limits of conventional mobile infrastructure,” Taldar said.
“The DRC is leading this important development, and the experience gained here will support the progressive expansion of the service across our markets, subject to country-specific regulatory approvals.”
The service could help address connectivity challenges arising from the DRC’s vast territory and difficult geography, which make conventional mobile infrastructure costly and challenging to deploy in some areas.
Airtel DRC Managing Director Theirry Diasnoma said the new service would provide an additional layer of connectivity for people who live, work or travel beyond existing mobile coverage.
“This service provides an additional layer of connectivity, helping customers remain reachable, informed and connected even in areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable,” Diasnoma said.
The technology is expected to benefit people and organisations operating in remote areas, including transport and logistics companies, humanitarian organisations, health workers, farmers, mining operations and underserved communities.
Satellite-to-mobile connectivity could also help maintain access to essential communications during emergencies, natural disasters and temporary disruptions to terrestrial networks.
Eligible customers can register through the MyAirtel App for a free 30-day introductory trial. Travellers who join Airtel DRC can also register after activating an eligible service and downloading the app.
After the trial period, customers will be able to continue using Starlink Mobile through eligible Airtel data bundles.
Airtel Africa and Starlink said they would continue developing the service, with additional capabilities expected as the technology advances and regulatory approvals are secured.
The DRC deployment could provide a model for a wider rollout across Airtel Africa’s markets, extending basic mobile connectivity to areas where conventional network infrastructure remains unavailable.
